NBA Pick: Knicks +5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The New York Knicks will take on the Philadelphia 76ers after losing overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday. Can the Knicks take care of business after playing three overtime games in their last five?
Let’s see what the NBA odds tell us at the top sportsbooks!
If you’re planning on wagering on this game, remember to check out our guide on the best sports betting sites in New York before doing so!
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Sunday, February 05, 2023 – 06:00 PM EST at Madison Square Garden
The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will meet up for the third time this season. The Knicks escaped Philadelphia in November's first game of the season, winning 106-104.
However, the 76ers got revenge on December 25 with a 119-112 win over the Knicks on Christmas.
Although the Knicks are home, the 76ers are still five-point favorites in tonight’s ball game. Joel Embiid is currently listed as a question with left foot soreness, but the spread suggests he’ll be playing tonight’s game.
Here are our betting picks for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.
76ers Should See The Foul Line A Lot
The 76ers are adding 116.5 points per 100 possessions this season. They’ve shot a 56% effective field goal percentage and turned the ball over 14.2% of the time this season.
Philadelphia isn’t sharp on the offensive glass, but the Sixers are extremely good at getting to the foul line; they have a 23.9 free throw rate, which is the best rate in the NBA on the offensive side of the ball.
On the other hand, the Knicks have held teams to a 53.3% effective field goal percentage, but opponents are finding ways to score anyway. The Knicks are earning 13% of turnovers and allowed 28% of offensive rebounds.
New York can limit offensive rebounds against the Sixers but likely will give the Sixers many opportunities at the foul line.
Are the Knicks Tired?
Over the last five games, the Knicks have played in three overtime games. They’ve lost two of those three games, which must be draining. Either way, New York has still scored 116.7 points per 100 possessions. The Knicks should have more success on the offensive glass, as they’ve earned 31.5% of offensive rebounds this season.
Mitchell Robinson still isn’t back for the Knicks, but at least they’ve got Obi Toppin back, who could be a game-changer in Robinson’s absence.
The Knicks have only shot an effective field goal percentage of 52.7%. That’s ultimately the only area on offense where the Knicks have struggled. New York is above average in the turnover department, giving up just 13.2% of turnovers. They have, again, dominated the offensive glass.
And the Knicks also have a 22 free throw rate. New York can earn the same amount of foul shots as the Sixers in this game.
If the Knicks can do all the little things well, New York can escape against the 76ers. But fatigue could set in with how many minutes these guys have played recently.
The Final Verdict
The Knicks blew a lead against the Clippers last night, losing 134-128 in another overtime game. That’s the second overtime game that the Knicks have lost.
But the Knicks have been in every game over the last five games. The Knicks beat Boston in overtime, lost to the Nets by seven, lost to the Lakers in overtime, beat Miami by two, and lost to the Clippers in overtime.
At home, I’m confident in the Knicks sticking around against the 76ers. They’ve already stuck around twice against them earlier this season.
The Knicks won’t get the most incredible looks from the field. But again, if the Knicks can limit turnovers, get to the foul line, and earn more offensive rebounds and second chances, then the Knicks can win this game outright.
On the other hand, the 76ers usually shoot a higher percentage from the field. But the Knicks have held teams to a 53.3% effective field goal percentage if New York can make the 76ers uncomfortable from the field, then the 76ers would have to rely on second chances, which they don’t usually get.
The Betting Picks
The 76ers are 26th in offensive rebounding. Yes, the 76ers will get to the line, but the Knicks can still match the 76ers in foul shooting and be okay.
So, therefore, I’ll take the Knicks at +5 at home and the Over between two teams in the top seven in points per 100 possessions. Fatigue could set in for the Knicks, but it hasn’t yet for an entire game.
NBA Pick: Over 226 (-110) at BetOnline
Joel Embiid's Prop Pick
I’d also add Joel Embiid to earn the first basket in this game at +240. Embiid has 13 first baskets this season for the 76ers, and with the Knicks without Mitchell Robinson, I expect the 76ers to win a tip against the Knicks finally.
NBA Pick: Embiid First Basket (+240) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
